Stent configurations

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to an expandable stent which is longitudinally flexible in both the unexpanded and expanded conditions. The stent includes spiral structures which at least partially unwind upon expansion of the stent to limit stent recoil. Regions of low strain in the stent during expansion are provided by the spiral structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/846,164 filed Apr. 25, 1997, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to stents of improved configuration which incorporate spiral articulations which unwind to form bracing structures or scaffolding upon expansion.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Stents are radially expandable endoprosthesis which are typically intravascular implants capable of being implanted transluminally and enlarged radially after being introduced percutaneously. They have also been implanted in urinary tracts and bile ducts. They are used to reinforce body vessels and to prevent restenosis following angioplasty in the vascular system. They may be self-expanding or expanded by an internal radial force, such as when mounted on a balloon.

[0006] In the past, stents have assumed many configurations and been made of many materials, including metals and plastic. Ordinary metals such as stainless steel have been used as have shape memory metals such as nitinol and the like. Stents have also been made of biodegradable plastic materials. They have been formed from wire, tube stock, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention provides a new configuration for stents which may be adapted by all of the various types of prior art stents referred to hereinabove. There are numerous advantages to the new configuration. It limits recoil and adds resistance to compression for the expanded stent, among other things. It is longitudinally flexible in both the unexpanded and expanded conditions. It has several embodiments.

[0008] An important part of the new configuration includes a spiral or spiral-like structure comprised of joined elements which are coiled or bent and which unwind, uncoil or unbend to a more or less straightened condition on expansion of the stent. Such structures are hereinafter referred to collectively as spirals, spirals or spiral-like structures. These structures provide regions of low strain in the stent during expansion. These elements may be joined to each other or to any radially expansive members of any kind, annular serpentine members being preferred.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009]FIG. 1 is a flat view of one pattern embodiment of a stent configuration of the invention (unexpanded);

[0010]FIG. 2 is a detail of a portion of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is an end view of a stent of the FIG. 1 pattern according to the invention showing it in tubular configuration;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a showing of a stent in the embodiment of the preceding Figures in perspective and in an unexpanded configuration;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a showing of the stent of FIG. 4 fully expanded with details of the front and rear of the stent;

[0014]FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are showings of the stent of FIG. 4 in various stages of expansion with only details of the front of the stent shown for simplicity;

[0015]FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 10 is a showing of a modified embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 11 is a showing of another embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 12 is a detail of a portion of FIG. 11;

[0019]FIG. 13 is a showing of the stent of FIGS. 11 and 12 in an expanded configuration;

[0020]FIG. 14 is a showing of another embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 15 is a showing of still another embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 16 is a showing of yet another embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 17 is a showing of still another embodiment;

[0024]FIGS. 18-28 show various spiral-like arrangements of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 30 shows yet another embodiment; and

[0027]FIG. 31 shows still another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] One preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. It comprises a metal tube-like structure 10 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, such as nitinol or stainless steel, which has been etched or laser cut to the configuration shown in the plan view of FIGS. 1 and 2 and in a short version as shown in FIG. 4. The configuration is made up of a series of serpentine annular expandable elements or segments 12 which form loops 14 to allow for radial annular expansion. Segments 12 may be other configurations but serpentine is preferred. Elements 12 are interconnected by pairs of elongated members 13 a and 13 b which are attached at one end to successive loops 14 of a segment 12 and which are joined at their other ends to adjacent pairs of elongated members 13 a and 13 b, as best seen in detail in FIG. 2. Members 13 a and 13 b are preferably of narrower gauge than members 12 and are joined together in a coiled or spiral arrangement as shown generally at 16. Spiral 16 forms a structure about which members 13 may uncoil or unwind in a counterclockwise direction or clockwise direction to a substantially straight condition, depending on the spiral winding direction, upon radial expansion of members 12. In this embodiment spirals 16 are formed in alternate wound structures so that some unwind in one direction and some in the other direction. Of course, in any embodiment the spirals can be formed so that they all unwind in one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise and they may have more or fewer members 13. Also, more or less spirals may be included between the segments. The unwinding is accompanied by a straightening action with respect to members 13 as is described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 4-8. It can be seen from FIGS. 4 through 8 that the resultant configuration in an expanded stent of this configuration is comprised of a plurality of cells, the perimeter of each of which is defined by a pair of members or struts defined by the loop portion 14 of segment 12 and a pair of members or struts 13. The cells are joined at 16 as best seen in FIG. 8. More specifically the cells are of two kinds as shown in FIG. 8. A first pair of cells are A and B made up of a segment 12 and two struts 13 a for cell A or 13 b for cell B. A second pair of cells are C and D made up of an inward loop portion 14 of segment 12 and a strut 13 a and a strut 13 b for cells C and D.

[0029] When a stent of the invention, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4 undergoes expansion, such as from the embodiment of FIG. 4, it will appear as shown in FIG. 5 in the fully expanded condition. FIG. 5 shows the stent in perspective.

[0030] The unwinding action which the coil elements 16 undergo upon stent expansion is best seen in FIGS. 6-8 which show only the front side surface of the stent for simplicity and clarity.

[0031] As radial expansion begins (seen in FIG. 6) it can be appreciated that the spiral elements 16 undergo an unwinding or straightening action by a pulling force on all of the members 13. Specifically, as expansion occurs, elements 13 undergo a straightening action as can be seen in the early stages of expansion in FIG. 6.

[0032] Upon further expansion (seen in FIG. 7), spirals 16 undergo further unwinding, i.e., elements 13 undergo further straightening.

[0033] Finally in FIG. 8, substantial full expansion provides substantially straightened elements 13 which in that condition limit stent recoil and increase the resistance to compression of the stent.

[0034]FIG. 9 shows a modified embodiment in which elements 13 a and 13 b contact segment 12 at the end of its loops 14. Also note in this embodiment that the spirals 16 are all wound in the same direction.

[0035]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the spiral members 13 are more bent and less curvilinear but still form a spiral-like configuration 16. The remainder of the configuration is similar to that of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, elongate members 13 are shown prior to expansion of the stent. When the stent is expanded, members 13 unwind counter-clockwise and straighten somewhat. At full expansion members 13 straighten still further and straighten substantially so as to provide resistance to compression of the stent and low recoil. The expanded configuration displays a cell configuration similar to that seen in FIG. 8.

[0036] Other embodiments are shown in subsequent Figures with different spiral arrangements. For example, the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 shows coiled arrangements 16 which are wound in the same direction and elements 13 attached at the end of loops 14 while some adjacent spirals between segments are interconnected by members 15.

[0037]FIG. 14 shows some elements 13 in a spiral 16 contacting the end of loops 14 and some contacting segment 12 proper. Also, some adjacent spirals are interconnected by members 17.

[0038]FIG. 15 shows a flattened or elongated spiral arrangement 16 and elements 12 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent. In previous embodiments, these elements or segments have been arranged parallel to the axis or horizontal. Elongated spirals as in FIG. 13 and spirals of previous Figures may be mixed together. (Not shown).

[0039] In the embodiments already discussed, annular expandable segments such as segments 12 are interspersed with spiral arrangements 16. However, as can be seen in FIG. 16, at least a substantial portion or all of the stent body can be merely comprised of spiral arrangements 16 connected to each other. Actually, all of the body may consist of spirals. In this embodiment, the elements 13 interconnect between spirals over substantially the entire body of the stent. Optionally, the ends may include segments 12 as shown.

[0040] The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 shows segments 12 alternately angled in opposite directions and with legs thereof of different length and elements 13 contacting the segments at different locations, i.e., as at the loop portion 14 and at the segment portion proper.

[0041]FIGS. 18-28 demonstrate examples of what is meant by the terms spiral and spiral-like herein. Of course, additional members may be included in the spirals.

[0042]FIG. 29 shows segments 12 in a configuration other than the annular serpentine configuration of previous Figures.

[0043]FIG. 30 shows alternate segments 12 in serpentine annular configuration interconnected by double rows of interconnected coil configurations 16.

[0044]FIG. 31 is included to demonstrate that spirals 16 may be included on the ends of a stent 10.

[0045] While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

[0046] The above Examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. 

1-17 (Canceled)
 18. A stent, comprising: a cylindrical body having plurality of rings and a longitudinal axis; and at least one link connecting one of the plurality of rings to another of the plurality of rings, each link including a pair of flexible arms, the arms having a gap therebetween and connected such that they form an open loop which extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the link further comprising a transition curve extending from one of the arms directed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body wherein the transition curve is separate from the arm.
 19. The stent of claim 18, at least one link further comprising at least three flexible arms connected to form at least a pair of open loops.
 20. The stent of claim 18, wherein the link provides the stent with flexibility in three dimensions.
 21. The stent of claim 19, wherein the stent is formed from a metal.
 22. The stent of claim 18, wherein a circumferential dimension of the transition curve is approximately the same as a circumferential dimension of the flexible arms.
 23. The stent of claim 18, wherein a circumferential dimension of the transition curve is less than a circumferential dimension occupied by the flexible arms.
 24. The stent of claim 18, the link further comprising a plurality of transition curves directed transverse or generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
 25. The stent of claim 18, wherein the body is self-expanding.
 26. The stent of claim 18, wherein the body is balloon expandable.
 27. The stent of claim 18, wherein the links are characterized by having a varying cross-sectional profile.
 28. The stent of claim 18, wherein the arms generally define a S-shape.
 29. A stent comprising: a cylindrical body having plurality of rings and a longitudinal axis; at least one link connecting one of the plurality of rings to another of the plurality of rings, each link including a plurality of flexible arms, the arms having gaps therebetween and connected such that they form a pair of open loops which extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the link further comprising a transition curve extending from one of the arms directed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body wherein the transition curve is separate from the arm.
 30. The stent of claim 29, wherein a circumferential dimension of the transition curve is less than a circumferential dimension occupied by the flexible arms.
 31. The stent of clam 29, wherein the links are crimpable to thereby facilitate compressing the stent to a smaller diameter.
 32. A method of treating body lumens using a stent having a plurality of adjacently arranged rings connected to each other by at least one link defined by open loops extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent and a plurality of flexible arms, the link further including a transition curve extending from one of the arms directed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stent wherein the transition curve is separate from the arm, comprising: applying a force to reduce a diameter of the stent; configuring the stent so that the link is compressed to a smaller dimension; placing the stent on a catheter; inserting the catheter within a body lumen; and deploying the stent within the body lumen.
 33. A stent having a longitudinal axis, the stent comprising undulating bands disposed about the longitudinal axis, each undulating band having alternating peaks and troughs with struts extending therebetween, undulating bands which are adjacent one another being connected via connectors, each connector having at least two members which extend from a connection point of adjacent undulating bands and which converge at a convergence point of the connector, portions of each member of the connector nesting with one another.
 34. A stent having a longitudinal axis, the stent comprising undulating bands disposed about the longitudinal axis, each undulating band having alternating peaks and troughs with struts extending therebetween, undulating bands which are adjacent one another being connected via connectors, each connector having at least two members which extend from a connection point of adjacent undulating bands and which converge at a convergence point of the connector, the members having variable radiuses of curvature, the radius of curvature of each member being smaller at a point closer to the convergence point than at a point substantially in a middle portion of the member.
 35. A stent having a longitudinal axis, the stent comprising undulating bands disposed about the longitudinal axis, each undulating band having alternating peaks and troughs with struts extending therebetween, undulating bands which are adjacent one another being connected via connectors, each connector having at least two members which extend from a connection point of adjacent undulating bands and which converge at a convergence point of the connector, each member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each member connected at the convergence point, the second end of each member connected at the connection point, the radius of curvature progressively smaller from the second end to the first end of the member.
 36. A stent having a longitudinal axis, the stent comprising undulating bands disposed about the longitudinal axis, each undulating band having alternating peaks and troughs with struts extending therebetween, undulating bands which are adjacent one another being connected via connectors, each connector having at least two members which extend from a connection point of adjacent undulating bands and which converge at a convergence point of the connector, each member intersected multiple times about an imaginary plane which passes through the convergence point and which contains the longitudinal axis.
 37. A stent having a longitudinal axis, the stent comprising undulating bands disposed about the longitudinal axis, each undulating band having alternating peaks and troughs with struts extending therebetween, undulating bands which are adjacent one another being connected via connectors, each connector having at least two members which extend from a connection point of adjacent undulating bands and which converge at a convergence point of the connector, the connectors opening up upon expansion of the stent. 